Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S

Description

About 

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called “hypoglycemics” (anti-diabetics, biguanide/sulfonylurea) that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in patients that are inadequately controlled by glimepiride or metformin monotherapy. 

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition resulting from a combination of insulin resistance, i.e, body cells failing to respond properly to the insulin produced, inadequate insulin secretion, and excessive production of glucagon. Progression of the disease may lead to insulin deficiency. This causes hyperglycemia. (high blood sugar levels)

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S is available in tablet form on prescription. Metformin is an anti diabetic medication (biguanide) that works by decreasing the amount of sugar released into the blood by the liver, delaying sugar absorption from the intestines and increasing the body’s responsiveness to insulin. Whereas, glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication (sulfonylurea) that decreases blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (hormone controlling blood sugar levels) production by the pancreas.

Dosage of Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S depends on age, severity of condition, patient’s response to medicine and their comorbidities.

The most common side effects of Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S are change in taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, upper respiratory tract infection and  hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level).

Indications

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.

It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in patients that are inadequately controlled by glimepiride or metformin monotherapy (single drug therapy).

 

How does Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S work?

Metformin is an anti diabetic medication (biguanide) that works by decreasing the amount of sugar released into the blood by the liver, delaying sugar absorption from the intestines and increasing the body’s responsiveness to insulin. Whereas, glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication (sulfonylurea) that decreases blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (hormone controlling blood sugar levels) production by the pancreas.

How to use Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

It comes in tablet form that needs to be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

It is better to take Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S with meals to avoid side effects like having an upset stomach.

Dosage 

Dosage needs to be personalized keeping in mind the patients current regime, effectiveness and tolerability towards the treatment.

• Usual starting dose: 1mg glimepiride + 500mg metformin, one tablet taken daily, usually with the first meal of the day. 
• Maintenance dose: 1mg – 4mg glimepiride daily 
• Maximus dose: glimepiride 8mg, metformin 2000mg. 

To achieve optimal glycemic control, titrate the doses accordingly.

 

Pregnancy use and lactation

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I DM) (disorder characterized by high blood sugar)

• Hypersensitivity (allergy) to sulfonylureas, sulphonamides or biguanides
• Diabetic ketonaemia (abnormally high levels of ketone bodies in blood) and coma/precoma
• Metabolic acidosis (electrolyte disorder characterized by acid-base imbalance in the body)
• Lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood)
• Iodinated contrast IV
• Severe infections
• Pre-and post surgery
• Serious trauma
• Malnourished, starving or debilitated patients
• Pituitary/adrenal insufficiency (reduced production of steroid hormones)
• Severe lung dysfunction
• Hypoxaemia (low level of oxygen in the blood)
• Hepatic (liver) dysfunction
• Alcoholism
• Dehydration
• Gastrointestinal (stomach and bowels) disturbances
• Congestive heart failure

Precautions

 

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) – can be prevented by monitoring sugar levels in blood and urine, regularly. Signs indicating hypoglycemia are: blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, cool, pale skin, drowsiness, excessive hunger, fast heart beat, headache, nausea, anxiety and overall tiredness and weakness. Usually experienced by patients with autonomic neuropathy (damage of nerves controlling involuntary body functions) taking beta blockers, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine or other sympatholytic drugs
• Elderly 
• Stress in situations like trauma, surgery – doctor might switch over to insulin in this case
• Liver damage
• Kidney impairment 
• Regularly monitor glucose and glycosylated Hb

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S:

• Insulin and other oral antidiabetics
• ACE inhibitors
• Allopurinol
• Anabolic steroids
• Male sex hormones
• Chloramphenicol
• Coumarin anticoagulants
• Cyclophosphamide
• Disopyramide
• Fenfluramine
• Phenyramidol
• Fibrates
• Fluoxetine
• Guanethidine
• Ifosfamide
• MAOIs
• Azole antifungals (miconazole, fluconazole
• Salicylates
• Pentoxifylline (high dose parenteral)
• Phenylbutazone
• Probenecid
• Quinolones
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Sulfonamides
• Tetracyclines
• Tritoqualine
• Trofosfamide
• Azapropazone
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Weakening of the blood glucose-lowering effect by acetazolamide
• Barbiturates
• Corticosteroids
• Diazoxide
• Diuretics
• Epinephrine and other sympathomimetics
• Glucagon
• Laxatives (long-term use)
• Nicotinic acid (high dose)
• Oestrogens
• Progestogen
• Phenothiazines
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin
• Thyroid hormones.

Make sure to inform your doctor that you are taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S before you start or stop any other medicine.

 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

COMMON:

• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
• Change in taste

SERIOUS:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) manifested as dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache and sweating
• Temporary visual impairment
• Liver impairment
• Lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid in the blood)
• Skin rash or itching (skin disease) 
• Reduced B12 absorptions
• Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions including anaphylaxis indicated by itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives, or difficulty swallowing.

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Nausea (feeling sick) – Take Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S with meals and avoid having spicy food

• Headaches – Take a painkiller, rest and keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid drinking alcohol

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea – Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and still if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Stomach ache – Try to rest as much as possible and have smaller and more frequent meals. Using a heat pack or hot water bottle over the area in pain might help in giving some relief. If the pain still persists and is severe, speak to your doctor.

• Loss of appetite – Have smaller meals than usual at times that you would normally eat.

• Dizziness – Try and rest until you feel better and refrain from driving or using any tools or machinery

• Metallic taste in the mouth – Have something that would change the taste of your mouth for example, sugar-free gum

• Hypoglycemia – Carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

Key facts about Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S

• Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (a condition resulting in elevated levels of sugar in the blood) as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in patients that are inadequately controlled by glimepiride or metformin monotherapy. 
• It is prescribed to adults above 18 years of age.
• When using Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S with other medicines it can cause hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar) hence, carry something sweet in case that happens.
• Inform your doctor about your treatment if you are to undergo surgery.
• Matter of concern arises when you experience deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, as Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis.
• Long term use can cause vitamin B12 deficiency. 
• It is important for your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, along with repeated kidney and liver function tests to prevent you from any complications

FAQs

 

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S DO?

Metformin is an anti diabetic medication (biguanide) that works by decreasing the amount of sugar released into the blood by the liver, delaying sugar absorption from the intestines and increasing the body’s responsiveness to insulin. Whereas, glimepiride is an anti-diabetic medication (sulfonylurea) that decreases blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (hormone controlling blood sugar levels) production by the pancreas.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S TO START WORKING?

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S starts working in a few hours. Initially, you might not feel that it is effective, but that does not mean you stop taking the medicine thinking it is not working. Make sure to continue taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S as directed by your doctor.

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S FOR?

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S is usually prescribed for long term use, possibly life long. Your dosage and time period is decided by your doctor after knowing the severity of your condition.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

This medicine largely controls your blood sugar levels, but does not cure your condition. Hence, do not just stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, otherwise your condition could possibly get worse.

5. WHAT IF Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S STOPS WORKING?

If it stops working, then your doctor will either give it to you with a combination of other medicines or recommend a different treatment to you by switching it with other anti-diabetics.

6. WILL Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S AFFECT MY KIDNEYS?

It does not affect those with normal kidney function and hence, is safe to use for them. However, if you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor as you might need to alter your daily dose.

7. DOES Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

Some patients have experienced weight gain when taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S

8. CAN Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S CAUSE VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY?

Long term use of Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S is known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it interferes with its absorption. If left untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems indicated by tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). To prevent this condition, it is advised to have vitamin b12 supplements when taking Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S.

9. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

An overdose of Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S alone usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) indicated by feeling hungry, trembling or shaking, sweating, feeling confused and having problems concentrating. However, it could occur if a good diet is not maintained. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these signs or experience stomach pain, nausea/vomiting and dizziness.

10. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose.

11. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are on Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S as it can interfere with your treatment causing low blood sugar levels especially in aged patients and on occasions where you have skipped a meal.

12. CAN I TAKE Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S BEFORE SURGERY ?

Inform your doctor that you are using Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S before surgery as he/she might ask you to stop taking the medicine before your operation.

13. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S?

Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S alone might not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike, but when given in combination with other medicines, it could result in low blood sugar levels resulting in loss of concentration vision impairment (your eyesight is affected). To be on the safe side, always carry fast acting carbohydrates (like sweets and juice) to prevent your body from going into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

14. HOW SHOULD Getformin 2mg+500mg Tablet 10 ‘S BE STORED?

Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it away from pets, children and other people.